1.2.3 - Stage 1B (Power Transmissions)

1.2.3 - Stage 1B (Power Transmissions)

Objective: Learn the fundamentals of FRC power transmissions—including motors, shafts, gears, belts, and chains—and model three different custom gearboxes in Onshape.

Note

📋 Prerequisites: Before You Start Ensure you have successfully completed and received mentor sign-off for the following modules:

• 1.2.2 - Stage 1A (Fundamentals)

  Danger

  STOP

If you have not completed the modules above, you do not have the required safety or technical clearance to begin this task.

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So far, you have only designed structural components. But to make a robot move, we need power. In this module, you will learn how to transfer rotational motion from a motor to a mechanism using gears, belts, and chains.

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🛠️ Step 1: Open Your Workbench

Modeling gearboxes requires specific library parts (motors, hex shafts, and gears). You must use the official classroom workbench to access the document where these parts are pre-loaded and organized for your sub-assembly work.

1. Enter the Classroom: Click the button below to open the Stage 1B Workbench.
2. Access Your Document: Launch your specific working document via the classroom link. You will use this exact file to build your Gear, Belt, and Chain drive systems.

Enter Stage 1B Workbench :material-engine-outline:

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🚦 Step 2: Complete the Training Exercises

Now that your workbench is open, work through the sections below in order. Read the theory sections carefully before attempting the exercises—FRC uses very specific hardware (like hex shafts) that you need to understand!

Tip

Navigating the Course All links below will open in a new browser tab so you don’t lose your place on this page!

• Part 1: Power Transmissions Theory Learn the fundamentals of motors, gears, belts, and chains within an FRC context. Go to Stage 1B: Introduction :material-open-in-new:

• Part 2: Practice Exercises Follow the step-by-step instructions on FRCDesign to model a Gearbox, a Belt Drive, and a Chain Drive system inside the Onshape document you opened in Step 1.

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✅ Step 3: The Return Checklist

Welcome back! You just learned the core mechanics of how almost every FRC robot functions. Verify that you have mastered the following:

• I can identify common FRC motors (Kraken, Falcon, NEO).
• I can model a 1/2” Hex Shaft and use spacers for part alignment.
• I can use the FRC Design App (FeatureScript) to generate gears with the correct tooth count.
• I can calculate center-to-center distances for belts and chains.
• I can use Mate Connectors to precisely align motion components.

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📸 Step 4: Submission & Review

To finalize this module:

1. Submit in Onshape: Click the Submit button inside the Onshape Classroom interface.
2. Design Review: Notify a CAD mentor or your Subteam Lead. They will use your workbench link to check your gear ratios and center-to-center distances.

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🎉 Module Complete! Once your work is approved, you are ready to put it all together in your final practice mechanisms!